First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has stood by her previous statements regarding the economic support of small-scale business owners, emphasizing that local traders remain a focus of her grassroots initiatives. During the inauguration of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Lokoja, Kogi State, she addressed past criticisms regarding her suggestion that women could utilize government grants for businesses such as frying akara or roasting corn. While some groups argued these suggestions undermined the severity of economic issues, Tinubu insisted that her Renewed Hope Initiative is designed to provide practical relief to various small-scale sellers, including those vending vegetables and pepper.
Addressing the broader scope of social responsibility, the First Lady called upon Nigeria’s prominent entertainers to utilize their wealth for charitable causes. She specifically challenged artists like Burna Boy, Davido, and Asake to establish foundations that support the less fortunate. Citing the charitable efforts of Akon as a positive example, she noted that while owning luxury vehicles is not inherently wrong, wealthy individuals have a responsibility to assist the vulnerable.
Tinubu shared a success story to highlight the impact of her initiatives, describing a university graduate in Abuja who transitioned from struggling to find employment to successfully running an akara business with 12 employees after receiving support. She emphasized that these small-scale ventures are vital for easing economic pressure on families and complementing government efforts.
